Abstract
BackgroundRaisins are a significant source of dietary fiber and polyphenols, which may reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk by affecting lipoprotein metabolism and inflammation. Walking represents a low intensity exercise intervention that may also reduce CVD risk. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of consuming raisins, increasing steps walked, or a combination of these interventions on blood pressure, plasma lipids, glucose, insulin and inflammatory cytokines.ResultsThirty-four men and postmenopausal women were matched for weight and gender and randomly assigned to consume 1 cup raisins/d (RAISIN), increase the amount of steps walked/d (WALK) or a combination of both interventions (RAISINS + WALK). The subjects completed a 2 wk run-in period, followed by a 6 wk intervention. Systolic blood pressure was reduced for all subjects (P = 0.008). Plasma total cholesterol was decreased by 9.4% for all subjects (P < 0.005), which was explained by a 13.7% reduction in plasma LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) (P < 0.001). Plasma triglycerides (TG) concentrations were decreased by 19.5% for WALK (P < 0.05 for group effect). Plasma TNF-α was decreased from 3.5 ng/L to 2.1 ng/L for RAISIN (P < 0.025 for time and group × time effect). All subjects had a reduction in plasma sICAM-1 (P < 0.01).ConclusionThis research shows that simple lifestyle modifications such as adding raisins to the diet or increasing steps walked have distinct beneficial effects on CVD risk.
Highlights
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States [1]
Fruits may decrease the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) by providing dietary fiber, lowering plasma LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) [4], improving insulin sensitivity [5], and preventing atherosclerosis via their anti-inflammatory
Raisins and red wine are both derived from grapes; the drying process causes loss of polyphenols in raisins [13]
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States [1]. Implementation of effective diet and exercise interventions is necessary to reduce risk for CVD by improving these factors. Fruits may decrease the risk for CVD by providing dietary fiber, lowering plasma LDL-C [4], improving insulin sensitivity [5], and preventing atherosclerosis via their anti-inflammatory (page number not for citation purposes). Raisins are a significant source of dietary fiber and polyphenols, which may reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk by affecting lipoprotein metabolism and inflammation. Walking represents a low intensity exercise intervention that may reduce CVD risk. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of consuming raisins, increasing steps walked, or a combination of these interventions on blood pressure, plasma lipids, glucose, insulin and inflammatory cytokines
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